2018
by Tropical Research and Conservation Centre

Primate Inventory and Conservation in Ikpa River Basin, Southern Nigeria

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Species protection
2018
by Tropical Research and Conservation Centre

Primate Inventory and Conservation in Ikpa River Basin, Southern Nigeria

The project is about in-situ conservation of isolated population of endangered primate species (sclater’s guenon, Cercopthecus sclateri, red-capped mangabey, Cercocebus torquatus and white throated monkey, Cercopithecus erythrogaster occurring within Ikpa River basin, southern Nigeria. The project adopts the following conservation strategies:conservation status review (ranging patterns, location with population strongholds);community education and capacity building for conservation practices; modeling for sustainable, environmental friendly agricultural practices that do not support further forest/habitat destruction; capacity building on alternative economic activities among forest hunters and wood loggers; habitat restoration by planting of fast growing tree species.

 

The project adopts the following conservation strategies:

  • Conservation status review (ranging patterns, habitats, location with population strongholds);
  • Education ( community awareness and capacity building for conservation practices);
  • Modelling for sustainable, forest friendly agricultural practices (agroforestry, organic farming as these do not support further forest/habitat destruction but have potentials for better yield) ;
  • Livelihoods alternatives: Capacity building on alternative economic activities among forest hunters and wood loggers;
  • Habitat restoration (by planting of fast growing tree species). The project will engage the local forest officers and the community people in the implementation (ensuring active community participation).
Name organisation:
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre
Start date:
01-09-2018
Funding:
€5300
Country/Territory:
Nigeria
Name organisation:
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre
Start date:
01-09-2018
Funding:
€5300
Country/Territory:
Nigeria Africa

Ikpa River basin is one of the few remaining primate sites in Nigeria.

  • About 3.000 locals reached with conservation messages: Increased conservation knowledge and skills among the locals (Interviews with participants and use of pre and post-tests indicates knowledge increase).
  • Reduction in forest land encroachment and bush burning (slash-and-burn agriculture): Up to 100 farmers/Land users adopt forest friendly agro practices (organic farming, agro forestry) which do not support further forest destruction.
  • Up to 20 hectares of forest land protected for continuous primate survival: Degraded habitats restored through tree planting: up to 5.000 new tree stands planted.
  • Reduction in primate hunting and habitat destruction: Adoption of livelihoods alternatives by about 50 hunters and wood harvesters to replace hunting and wood logging.
  • Community conservation bye-laws established: preventing further primate hunting and habitat destruction.
  • Data generated on the species relating to population, critical habitats, ranging pattern: these were useful during monitoring and will also be useful in future conservation planning for the species.